IHSA Announcements

March 23, 1999

Board Alters Baseball Speed-Up Rules Requirement

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors at its regular March meeting voted to eliminate the "After Putouts" requirement of the National Federation Speed-Up Rules for use in 1999 regular season and state series games.

The "Courtesy Runner" requirement of the Speed-Up Rules remains adopted for use in both the regular season and state series for 1999.

The "After Putouts" section of the Speed-Up Rules limits the throwing of the baseball among players on the field following putouts with no runners on base. "Many of our coaches and umpires expressed a desire for us to drop the 'After Putouts' procedures and the Board has responded to their concerns," said Executive Director Dave Fry.

Discussion Items

At each meeting of the Board of Directors, there are certain agenda items which the Board discusses but upon which it takes no action. Following is a report of those on the March, 1999, agenda:

  1. National Federation Authenticating Mark Program: The Board heard a report of the status of the program by the National Federation to require use of balls bearing its authenticating mark. Previously, the Board voted to delay implementation in Illinois to allow member schools to reduce their inventories.

  2. Basketball Committee: The Board discussed the appointment of seven representatives to join the Basketball Advisory Committee at its upcoming (April 6) annual meeting to review classification.

  3. IHSA Finances: The Board continued its ongoing discussion of IHSA finances, focusing on avenues to provide revenues for the member schools and the Association budget.